STARKVILLE — Dez Harris is the unquestioned leader of Mississippi State’s defense, and although the senior will be difficult to replace next season, there shouldn’t be much concern over the future at inside linebacker for the Bulldogs.

Thompson was one of a handful of Mississippi State players, including receiver Donald Gray, edge-rusher Montez Sweat and right guard Deion Calhoun, who produced their best performances of the season against Kentucky.

Thompson’s showing stands out because of what it could mean for the Bulldogs’ present and future. With five vital games left, it's important for Thompson to continue to be a dependable rotation piece. If that happens, he would likely be in line to have a larger role next season.

Mississippi State expects to return the majority of its defensive starters next season, but Harris will leave a void as the quarterback of the defense. Thompson’s outgoing and assertive personality makes him a capable candidate.

“My main focus is to take everything I can from Dez,” Thompson said. “He’s a great leader so I feel like I have to be a leader if I want to step up into maybe a potential starting guy next year. I have to be vocal and do everything a great leader does. Be vocal, and lead by example every day.”

At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Thompson’s tackling ability has impressed. Against Kentucky, for example, he made two one-on-one stops in the first quarter that led to third-and-longs and eventual punts. Thompson has missed only one tackle this season, according to College Football Film Room. Thompson has 23 tackles this season, one fewer than Lewis.

“He’s a good tackler and he’s physical in the box,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “He does a good job of understanding our compression tackles and working to be near-leg and near-shoulder and tracking the hip so I’ve been pleased with his tackling and the way he tackles.

“He’ll certainly continue to have the role that he has and he’s another guy who has a bright future.”